Finally..

[themutiny]

Got my hands on a mint condition Torq MkI.

Original 50 cycles battery useless as expected, but at the least the Vendor advertised as such, so the price properly reflected it. The fuzzy photo on ebay didn't do the bike justice, it is in excellent nick.

One thing though, although this is supposedly the same vintage as my original (stolen) one, there are definite differences. Mine had the rear lights built in to the saddle, powered by AAAs, this has lights powered by the main battery, with a switch on the handlebars. there are a few other differences. I just hope this is all superficial and that underneath it remains the same ( IMHO) amazing machine.

Nick

 

[flecc]

Congratulations Nick, at long last!

If it's the non-suspension model, it should be exactly the same with the 30 amp controller and 22 mph assist.

The permanent restriction to 15 mph and a 20 amp controller both came in at varying times on the suspension version which was at first called the Torq Trekking. The LED main battery lighting got added to all models very early, for example it was on my Quando in August 2006, long before the Torq Trekking and those other changes.

 

[themutiny]

Thanks Tony

Definitely non-suspension, so ready to go. Let's hope it's not just nostalgia...

I've ordered a 20AH battery, so hopefully won't drain the battery too badly. Of course I'm only now remembering all the things I had to do with the original - like respoking the wheels to cope with the torque. I might PM you for advice if that's OK. Can you remind me - does the motor wire have enough length to allow a tyre change - i seem to recall that it does, albeit only just

Thanks

Nick

 

[flecc]

Yes it does Nick, usually meaning releasing just the lower tie-wrap.

The majority of the Torqs didn't have front wheel spoke problems, I had none at all, even after swapping the wheel to the back instead, but there were a few very troublesome ones, probably due to the build. In the unlikely event you do get trouble, the excellent thread by JamesC in the technical section precisely details the rebuild necessary for this model.

Here's the link

 

[themutiny]

Again - thanks Tony, very informative. My recollection however, is that I took the complete bike to my LBS that specialised in respoking, and let them get on with it. They didn't bat an eyelid that it was electric, and didn't ask any questions. They just did it - for a very reasonable price as I recall.

This lot:

Velocity Bikes | Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes | Custom Built Bikes | UK Online BIke Shop

 

[flecc]

Good option when available Nick, not something many bike shops will or even can do though.

For others SJS have been a good option, turning out reliable rebuilds.

 

[eddieo]

a few of us have used SJS.....Bomb proof rebuilds

 

[themutiny]

Buy Cytronex on a whim - check
drive to yorkshire to collect - check
Sell via forum - check
buy mint torq 1 from a bloke in wales - check
Order 20ah battery from John - check
Fit new battery - check
test no load speed - check (25.3)
Stop raining - check
Take two substantial bike locks - check, check

Ride bike with big, stupid grin on big,stupid face

Check

 

[flecc]

Great, shows you still have the original controller setup and it really is the genuine unique article.

 

[alfazzr]

And you have not even left the Welsh chap feedback on ebay I see - tut tut

 

[themutiny]

And you have not even left the Welsh chap feedback on ebay I see - tut tut

Not an expert on eBay etiquette, but:

- He hasn't marked it as paid so I keep getting reminders
- My policy is to leave feedback second as a buyer, first as a seller
- I've mailed him about this with no response as yet

But:

I will leave him good feedback if he attends to these matters. He does deserve it.

 

[themutiny]

Great, shows you still have the original controller setup and it really is the genuine unique article.

Definitely the genuine article - but:

Once up to top speed, it immediately became apparent that the front wheel is frankly dangerous. Not sure if it needs the spokes tightening (wish i knew how to do this successfully), or a rebuild. My enthusiasm meant that i decided to ignore the blindingly obvious from the freewheel test. I managed about 2.5 miles outward, and then sense prevailed.

Not to be thwarted, i returned home and got out the bike I bought in January. The comparison was interesting. The 'other' bike is totally illegal - 500w motor, top speed 22mph. Absolutely silent, but accelerates like a slug through treacle. As the battery diminishes, performance falls off in a linear fashion. Hydraulic disc brakes - stops on a dime. 5 levels of assist, backlit LCD controller that also controls max kph.

Illegal AND boring.

The Torq?

Accelerates like a thing possessed. Brakes (by comparison) total crap. Fun factor - off the scale.

Torq mki = 1, new bike = 0

Just have to fix the wheels (and fit marathon plus) and maybe sell the other one!

Nick